"I found in myself, and still find, an instinct toward a higher, or, as it is named, spiritual life, as do most men, and another toward a primitive rank and savage one, and I reverence them both. I love the wild not less than the good." -Henry David Thoreau, Walden

Perhaps you need a break from birds (What are you, nuts?). Consider these Maltese Wall Lizards, if you like.

Maltese Wall Lizard (Podarcis filfolensis) male - Malta

Maltese Wall Lizard (Podarcis filfolensis) female - Malta

The Maltese Wall Lizard (or Filfola Lizard) exists only on the three islands of Malta and in some parts of Italy. Males are bright green, as seen above, while females and juveniles are rusty or brown. These lizards mate in the spring and then lay one or two eggs which hatch in the summer.

They are everywhere in Malta and skitter through the succulents along the path every few steps it seems. Sometimes, a male was spotted puffing up and raising his head. This is a behaviour reserved for either intruders or sexy ladies.

Not pictured in this post: the secret society of the very few. AKA Ocellated Skinks. I think we saw three of them but they're so quick! I couldn't grab a photo. They are beautiful lizards though. Stay tuned for a very special future lizard post involving, say, chameleons.